Understanding Veldfires in South Africa

South Africa’s rich and diverse landscapes are shaped not only by their natural beauty, but also by the ever-present phenomena of veldfires. Commonly known as bushfires, mountain fires, or simply wildfires in other regions, veldfires are fires that regularly occur in the grasslands, savannas, and fynbos shrublands of South Africa's three key biomes. These veldfires can be ignited by natural causes such as lightning, but are often the result of human activities, ranging from accidental sparks to intentional burns that spiral out of control.

 

Veldfires are a natural ecological process in which indigenous plants and animals have adapted to survive over the millennia. Indeed, veldfires at varying frequencies and intensities are essential for maintaining the health of these fire-prone ecosystems.  The frequency and intensity of veldfires, however, have increased over the past century as communities have grown in agricultural and residential settlements throughout the veld landscape. More recently, the impacts of longer and hotter summers have increased the incidence of wild, uncontrolled veldfires across the country.

 

At VeldFirePlan, we understand the unique challenges posed by wild veldfires in South Africa, most particularly in the Urban Interface where communities are exposed to runaway wild veldfires. Our mission is to provide expert guidance and planning to help landowners, farmers, businesses, and communities prepare, prevent, and respond effectively to veldfire threats. With the proper knowledge and proactive planning, the devastating impacts of veldfires can be mitigated, protecting both people and the environment for generations to come.

Integrated Veldfire Management is the application of key activities, including prevention, protection, and suppression of veldfires. We, as managers, can do nothing to change the weather or the topography, but we can do a great deal to control the vegetation and infrastructure that can and will burn in wild veldfires. The suppression of veldfires remains the most expensive, and sadly, the most dangerous of all Integrated Veldfire Management Activities. A comprehensive Veldfire Management Plan thus focuses on Prevention and Protection activities tha will not only make financial sense but also greatly enhance the safety of communities living in fire-prone environments.